Ritchie Community League Civic Engagement Guidelines

Date: May 2019

Policy or Procedure Name: Ritchie Community League Civic Engagement Guidelines

Scope: That the board of directors of Ritchie Community League (“the League”) apply the following guidelines when reviewing civic issues facing its membership.

Guidelines:

1. When the matter affects most or all the neighbourhood, the League may attempt to inform the entire neighbourhood and obtain feedback from Ritchie residents, either through one or more public meetings or through an electronic forum or survey. Examples falling under this guideline include but are not limited to: proposed changes to the speed limit in the neighbourhoood, the closing of a school, the launch of a significant crime-prevention initiative, or changing the rules for infill housing. The Board may then take a position on the matter, if it so chooses, as well as list any concerns or suggestions it has developed. It should be noted that while the Board can only speak on behalf of the League, it can report on what it heard from area residents to city council or any other legislative body.

2. When the matter affects a significant portion of the neighbourhood (i.e., one or several blocks), the League may attempt to deal with it by consulting with the affected parties and then discussing it at a League board meeting. Examples falling under this guideline include but are not limited to: changes to the Ritchie Shopping Centre, or the development of a highrise building in the neighbourhood. The Board may then take a position of the matter, if it so chooses, as well as list any concerns or suggestions it has developed. It should be noted that while the Board can only speak on behalf of the League, it can report on what it heard from area residents to city council or any other legislative body.

3. When the matter that is quite localized, involving only a couple or handful of neighbours, the League may attempt to provide advice to the affected parties but otherwise decline to take a stance or make recommendations. An example could be construction of a new house or a garage, which affects only the owners of nearby properties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the League deem that an otherwise localized matter has relevance or sets a precedent within the larger community, it may at its own discretion, take such further action(s) as are found in Guidelines 1 and 2.